Kenton and the Gold Arts Mark 

The Arts are central to Kenton’s vision. They are the principle vehicle for spiritual education in a secular society, as well as being a profound medium for civilising and socialising which has a positive impact on achievement, attitiudes and relationships.

Pupils arrive at Kenton with limited Arts experiences and below average academic ability. However, they achieve well above average results in GCSE Art and Drama and well above average results in Art, Literature, Theatre Studies, Ceramics and Photography at Advanced level.

Facilities

A commitment to the study and practice of the Arts - and related subjects - is a commitment we believe we are taking seriously and individually with facilities for many, some quite specialist, subjects.

• 4 multi-purpose halls
• Stage
• 3 music rooms
• Drama studio
• 5 music practice rooms
• 6 art and design rooms
• Ceramics studio
• 9 video editing suites
• Darkroom
• Kiln
• Dance studio
• Music recording and editing suite

Curriculum

A significant aspect of our Arts provision is our Kenton Artsweek. The annual event in the School has produced a diverse range of Art experiences for all of our pupils and staff. We are proud that our shared Artsweek with a Gateshead School was accepted by the Newcastle/Gateshead City of Culture team as an initiative for the European City of Culture Bid for 2008.  This amazing partnership involved over 280 staff, 3500 students, several partner primary schools and over 50 artists all working together on the theme of Bridging Cultures.

Following several successful Artsweeks, interest and involvement in the Arts has been central to our whole school ethos.  Both students and staff engage with Arts activities on a daily basis. This has culminated in numerous Arts initiatives from whole School Productions, Christmas Pantomimes, Rock Fests to a termly programme of artists and musicians working within our own School and Partnership Primary Schools. Particularly impressive are the powerful visual messages relayed through our recent transformation of the School environment by pupils and staff as a result of Artsweek and art activities which occurred regularly in 2004.

Kenton has an impressive recently refurbished Drama studio which is constantly in use during curriculum and non-curriculum time. Although the school does not have a purpose built theatre, the school's Main Hall and large elevated stage is well equipped for public performances. A state-of-the Art theatre has already been incorporated into the plans for the new Kenton PFI build planned for construction in 2006.